Newspapers / Chowan University Student Newspaper / May 1, 1989, edition 1 / Page 7
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Graduation Exercises held; 156 receive degrees Commencement Marshal Janice Askew, of Eure, leads the graduation recessional for Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker's final commencement services as president of the institution. One hundred fifty-six Chowan College graduates received degrees and diplomas from Dr. Bruce E. Whitaker May 14, marking his 32nd and final year as president. Dr. Whitaker added to his record of having presented more degrees to graduates than all of the previous presidents combined. Chowan founded in 1848 and concluded its 141st year with graduation exercises in the Helms Center. Professor of Religion Esther A. Whitaker shared the spotlight with her husband with the announcement that she had been named the recipient of the annual Excellence in Teaching award. She has taught Old and New Testament courses to some 11,000 students since coming to Chowan in 1957, the year her husband began his service. Alumna Morniie Louise McDaniel Wiley of Chesterfield received the Distinguished Alumni Award. A Tomahawk Native, she served on the newspaper and annual staffs, was president of her junior and senior classes, and named May Queen. She received an A.B. degree in 1928. Mrs. Wiley is active in her church and community and was recently honored by the Chesterfield Civic Club for over 50 years of service to the club and com munity. Among the graduates were three receiving the Three-Year Diploma in Commercial Art, the first time the diploma was presented. Three students received one-year diplomas and the remaining 150 graduates received two-year associate degrees. Commencement speaker Dr. Fred B. Bentley, Mars Hill College president, told the students they were made in God’s image and are ‘ ‘here for a purpose. ’ ’ He pointed out they have the “awesome” decision to choose what to do with their talents. He said they are entering a “fast-moving” society undergoing many changes. He said these include the continuing development of the computer, medical technological advancements, a dirty en vironment in need of cleaning up, and a society dependent on crack and other drugs. Bentley told the graduates they are facing a “world of change.” He challenged them to apply themselves fully to be a part of the solution of the world’s problems. He asked them not to be content just to compete against the person on the left and the person on the right. In order ot make the most of their lives and the greatest contribution possible, he advised them to ‘ ‘compete against yourself. ’ ’ Telling them to choose a leader to emulate, he held up Dr. Whitaker as a role model. He said Chowan’s president was a Christian who had worked hard to ac complish many achievements at Chowan. The speaker for the morning bac calaureate service was Dr. T. Robert Mullinax, executive secretary. Council on Christian Higher Education, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Dr. Mullinax asked the graduates to bring their lives into focus. He said the key is found in Jesus’ commands. “You shall love the Lord your God with your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself;” and “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” He explained, “Not everything can be first. And if life is not in focus something that deserves to be third will be first, and first will come in second, or even fourth or fifth, or not at all.” “If our lives are unfocused, our hearts, souls and minds will be fixed on what is less worthy, driving us to give our primary best for secondary prizes. ’ ’ Mullinax said the “proper focus is desperately needed” in three areas — religion, work and mortality. Mullinax noted that “true religion is not centered in you and me, but in a Providence whose ways are good, but also mysterious.” He said if “you were already rich you would still need to work. Doing something useful with your life should come first.” “If we become obsessed with living longer lives or the fear of dying we can shorten our days,” Mullinax cautioned. Mullinax said that young people have many major decisions to make. He said these include selecting a vocation, the choice of a husband or wife, and how to be responsible parents. He said in order “to make the wisest choices” the graduates must overlook the many voice calling for their attention and focus on God’s kingdom. Plans made for concerts The Roanoke-Chowan Community Concert Association will offer four at tractions plus admission to concerts sponsored by five other associations during 1989-90. The Roanoke-Chowan concerts will be presented in Turner Auditorium. They include: Neal Ramsay Duo, Oct. 22; Malinova Sister, Nov. 30: Broadway Celebration, Jan. 29; Tennessee River Boys, Feb. 15. Season memberships are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and $45 for families (children to 18). They may be purchased from any officer in the Roanoke-Chowan Community Concert Association or from the Fine Arts Office, Chowan College, Dr. James Chamblee, chairman, 919/398- 4101, ext. 236. The membership drive will continue through Apr. 29. Members may also see a total of 20 concerts sponsored by the following associations: Franklin, Va., Hambro Ot. of Pianos, Rondoliers — Male Quartet, Toccatas and Flourishes, and Mac Frampton Trio — Instrumental. Elizabeth City, N.C., Glenn Miller Orchestra, Malinova Sisters — Piano, Carrol McLaughlin — Harpist, and N.Y. Sextet. Portsmouth, Va., Romaniow Folk Ballet “Doina”, Hector Oliveri Organ of the 21st Century, Phillip Creech — Met. Opr. Tenor, Jury’s Irish Cabaret of Dublin, and Gregg Smith Singers. Williamston, N.C., Glenn Miller Or chestra, Bill Schustik — Folk Singer, and Stecher and Horowitz — Duo Pianists. Wilson, N.C., Floyd Kramer — Piano, Richard Morris — Organ, Pamela South Soprano, and N.C. Symphony. Receives teaching award Mrs. Esther A. Whitaker is congratulated by Dr. B. Franklin Lowe. Jr., Dean of the College, after receivmg the Excellence in Teaching Award. The annual receipient is selected by vote of the faculty of the person who has rendered the most outstanding service as a professor during the year. The Chowanian^ May-Juae, Z989—PAGE SEVEN
Chowan University Student Newspaper
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May 1, 1989, edition 1
7
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